By Staff Reporters
Jill Oberlander and Joe Kelly won their party nominations this week for Connecticut’s 36th Senate District, beginning a generalelection race to succeed state Sen. Ryan Fazio as he runs for governor.
The contest will put two Greenwich officials with town finance-board experience before voters in Greenwich, New Canaan and part of Stamford. Oberlander, a Democrat and former Greenwich selectperson, served on the Representative Town Meeting and chaired the Board of Estimate and Taxation. Kelly, a Republican and former chairman of the Greenwich Board of Education, currently serves on the BET.
Oberlander was endorsed by Democrats on Monday night. Kelly was chosen by Republican delegates on Tuesday night.
Greenwich Selectwoman Rachel Khanna nominated Oberlander, citing her municipal experience and fiscal record. Oberlander’s campaign also announced endorsements from U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons and New Canaan Selectwoman Amy Murphy Carroll.
Oberlander entered the race earlier this year after filing candidate paperwork with the State Elections Enforcement Commission on Feb. 27. Her campaign is built on her work in Greenwich government, including her 2018 selection as the first Democratic chair of the BET in recorded town history and her later service on the Board of Selectmen from 2019 to 2021.
David Weisbrod, the current BET chair, said in a statement that Oberlander’s finance-board tenure showed the qualities needed in Hartford.
“Jill Oberlander is a superb public official. We are fortunate that she is dedicating her enormous talent to serve the community,” Weisbrod said. “Jill served as Chair of the BET during my first term. I worked very closely with her. Jill was a trailblazer then and will continue as such up in Hartford.”
“Jill’s legal training, quick mind, thorough knowledge of the issues, tremendous work ethic and collaborative style are key attributes,” Weisbrod said. “I can think of no one who will represent us better than Jill Oberlander.”
Oberlander said her campaign would focus on affordability, energy costs, jobs and protection from government overreach.
“I’ll be laser-focused on the critical, everyday issues people care about — affordability, energy costs, and making sure that anyone who wants to work can find a good job and build a life here,” Oberlander said. “At the same time, I will do everything in my power to make sure the people of the 36th remain safe and protected from government overreach. This is not abstract to me. This is my job description.”
Fazio, who currently holds the seat and is vacating it to run for Governor, nominated Kelly at the Republican convention, calling him a community servant and consensus builder.
“I rise for the purpose of nominating my friend, Joe Kelly, to be the next senator from the 36th District,” Fazio said. “Joe Kelly puts community ahead of politics. He always gives of himself to others and puts others first. He builds bridges at a time that our state and our country needs more bridge building in politics and government.”
Fazio said his decision not to seek another Senate term while running for governor was difficult, but made easier by Kelly’s candidacy.
“Representing this state Senate district, my home district has been the honor of a lifetime and stepping away to run for another office was a very difficult and bittersweet decision,” Fazio said.
Fazio argued that state government needed more political balance and said Kelly would advocate for lower taxes, protection of budget guardrails, local control and changes to electric bills. He also pointed to Kelly’s record as Board of Education chairman and BET member.
New Canaan First Selectman Dionna Carlson seconded Kelly’s nomination and said his experience fit the district.
“Joe understands that good government is not about winning the arguments, it’s about bringing disparate voices together to make thoughtful decisions that strengthen our community and protect taxpayers,” Carlson said. “Joe Kelly is a leader people trust because he respects every seat at the table.”
Kelly accepted the nomination by leaning on a theme of trust, citing his experience as a family member, business owner, teammate, coach and public official.
“I’m incredibly honored,” Kelly said.
Kelly said he had worked to reduce conflict on the Board of Education and the RTM, and he pointed to the current BET as an example of cooperation in action.
Kelly tied his campaign to the previous 36th Senators and said he would continue the policy direction Fazio had advanced in Hartford.
“I’m going to continue the work that Ryan has done in the Senate,” Kelly said. “The 36th District has been represented by some of Connecticut’s finest public servants — Florence Finney, Mike Morano, Bill Nickerson, Scott Frantz, and our next governor, Ryan Fazio — and I do not take that legacy lightly. To be entrusted with carrying that tradition forward is both a tremendous responsibility and a tremendous opportunity,” the nominee said.
Kelly entered the race earlier this year with a campaign message focused on civility, cooperation and fiscal discipline. His local record includes service as a liaison to the Cardinal Stadium renovation effort and years as head coach of the Greenwich High School rugby program, which won nine championships in 10 years.
The November race will test two candidates with long Greenwich résumés but different political arguments. Oberlander is presenting her record in municipal finance, law and town executive leadership as preparation for state office. Kelly is presenting his experience in schools, town budgeting, coaching and business as preparation to continue Fazio’s work in Hartford.
Both candidates have said they believe the district is fortunate in that there are no bad choices in this race.
Voters in the 36th District will choose the next state senator in November.
